Formula 1 wants to Africa - mammoth calendar with 30 races threatens

Created: 03/23/2022, 16:06

By: Christoph Klaucke

Formula 1 is on the rise.

In the future, 30 races per year should be possible.

Even a Grand Prix in Africa is planned.

Jeddah - Formula 1* started the new season in Bahrain last weekend.

Just a week later, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix continues.

No time for Mick Schumacher & Co. to take a deep breath.

The Formula 1 calendar includes 23 races this year and is therefore packed like never before.

Managing Director Stefano Domenicali announces that there could be 30 Grand Prix in the future.

Even a race in Africa is planned.

Formula 1: African Grand Prix has “potential”

Formula 1 could soon start in Africa.

"In addition to America and China, I think there is potential to be represented in Africa soon," said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to the British TV broadcaster Sky Sports F1.

“The interest there is great.

This is certainly another area that has been missing from the geography of our calendar so far,” explained the former Ferrari team boss.

Among other things, a return of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, on which Formula 1 was last driven in South Africa until 1993, seems possible.

Other races may give way for a future African Grand Prix.

“There are some organizers whose contracts are expiring.

It's quite possible that some of the existing Grands Prix will no longer be part of the calendar," announced the Italian.

Formula 1 managing director Stefano Domenicali has the prospect of a race in Africa.

© Steve Etherington/Imago

Formula 1: 30 races in one year can no longer be ruled out

In the future, up to 24 World Championship races are conceivable by 2025, the so-called Concorde contracts currently allow a maximum of 24 races per season.

After that, the number could continue to rise.

"I would say there is potential to go to 30," said the Italian Domenicali.

The 56-year-old emphasized that this was realistic “in relation to the interest that we see around the world”.

Las Vegas in the USA is also considered a potential new race location.

"It's up to us to try and find the right balance," Domenicali said.

It is also about keeping historic venues in Formula 1 and giving new places a perspective.

In Germany, the traditional racetracks at the Nürburgring and in Hockenheim have not been part of the racing calendar for years.

After the cancellation of the Russian GP in Sochi, a Formula 1 return to Germany was discussed.

Formula 1 teams would benefit from more races

According to Domenicali, a strategy for the future should be presented very soon.

The demand for organizing a Formula 1 race is high in every country in the world.

In order to be allowed to hold a Grand Prix, a promoter must contribute up to 50 million US dollars to the Formula 1 revenue pot.

Around two-thirds of the sum is distributed to the teams as prize money.

Formula 1: The burden on drivers and teams is already at its limit

More races mean more income for the entire Formula 1 circus.

But this one is already on the gums.

Because for many employees, mechanics and engineers as well as journalists traveling around the world, the strain is an enormous challenge even with a calendar comprising 23 races.

However, everyone involved should still be highly motivated.

At the start, Ferrari surprised with a double victory.